New Jersey Unemployment Guide

If you've recently lost your job in New Jersey, you may be eligible for New Jersey Unemployment Insurance benefits. This is a guide to filing your claim for New Jersey unemployment benefits. Since each situation may have its own unique circumstances, make sure you check with the contact numbers and websites listed below to make sure you get the maximum benefits you can claim.

Filing for Unemployment:

Unemployed New Jersey workers can file an initial claim for unemployment benefits one of two ways:

Filing Your Bi-Weekly Claim:

New Jersey weekly unemployment benefits are 60% of the average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $600 per week. If you are the sole provider, and you are not already receiving the weekly maximum amount you may qualify to receive up to an additional 15% total of dependency benefits for up to three dependents. Federal Additional Compensation (FAC) currently adds an additional $25 per week to your benefit.

Unemployed New Jersey workers can file bi-weekly unemployment claims one of two ways:

Filing for extensions:

If an extended benefit period is declared, based on unemployment rates, and it appears that you qualify, you will be notified with instructions to extend your unemployment benefits.

Ending Unemployment:

When you return to work, file for credit for the remaining few days you didn't work, and report wages earned for the week. Then, just stop filing - when you stop weekly filing, your unemployment benefits automatically end. You may also let a claims representative know your first day of work.

FAQ:

Make sure to keep a copy of your work search record. You may be required to supply copies to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.